RAYONG — A violent clash broke out between Thai and Chinese workers at a construction site in Rayong province on 26 April, leaving several people with minor injuries, authorities said.

The incident occurred at around 10:30 at a site in tambon Map Kha, Nikhom Phatthana district, where dozens of workers from both groups were involved in a heated argument that escalated into a physical fight.

Video footage recorded on mobile phones showed workers wearing reflective vests and safety helmets exchanging punches and using nearby construction tools as weapons. The scuffle took place near a motorcycle parking area and beside large trucks, with some workers attempting to intervene as others continued fighting.

Officals said the situation remained tense for some time before it was brought under control. Several workers from both sides sustained minor injuries.

On 27 April, police, local administrative officials and Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) officers in Rayong visited the site to monitor the situation and gather evidence.

Authorities summoned site supervisors and those involved for questioning to establish the facts and consider legal action on a case-by-case basis. Initial findings indicate multiple individuals may face charges related to assault and causing a public disturbance.

The site operator has temporarily suspended some operations and separated Thai and Chinese workers to prevent further clashes. Interpreters are also being brought in to improve communication, as language barriers were identified as a key factor behind the conflict.

ISOS Rayong officials are reviewing CCTV footage to identify additional suspects and are coordinating with relevant agencies to implement measures to prevent similar incidents.

Authorities urged all parties to resolve disputes peacefully, warning that further escalation could affect the image of foreign labour management and investor confidence in the province's industrial estates.

A 30-year-old pork vendor met a tragic end when he parked his red-and-black Honda Wave motorcycle at a community shelter to rest. Neighbors heard him snoring initially and assumed he was sleeping due to work fatigue, so they left him alone. Hours later, noticing something amiss, residents tried calling out to him but got no response and realized he wasn't breathing. They immediately called rescue services, but it was too late—he had already died. He was found in a sitting position with his mouth open and showed no signs of injury or foul play. His motorcycle was equipped with grilling equipment and pork-selling supplies. While rescuers were assessing the situation, his phone rang. When they answered, they had to deliver the grim news to his family that he had already passed away. The deceased had been working alone in Chonburi, with no relatives in the province. His family is based in Buri Ram but plans to travel to claim the body and bring it home for funeral rites. Police have sent the body for autopsy and are continuing their legal investigation.

Islamic Bank of Thailand has responded to the Cabinet's resolution by launching the "Low-Cost Soft Loan to Revitalize Thai Business" program with a total credit facility of 100 billion baht, according to Nujchareee Pakdeecharoen, Assistant Managing Director and Head of Retail Business Group at Islamic Bank of Thailand. The program aims to support entrepreneurs and individuals impacted by current global economic conditions, including energy price fluctuations and economic uncertainty, while promoting business capability enhancement and sustainability.

The initiative comprises four sub-programs offering credit support to SMEs (both individuals and juristic persons) and large enterprises registered in Thailand with Thai ownership exceeding 50% of registered capital. Interest rates for the first two years will not exceed 3.50% per annum.

The four main objectives are:

1. **Liquidity Enhancement for SMEs**: Support for SMEs and those seeking refinancing from existing or other financial institutions, with maximum credit limits of 30 million baht per applicant for up to two years.

2. **New Economic Momentum**: Funding for SMEs and large enterprises expanding into strategically important sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, automotive and parts manufacturing, medical and healthcare, smart electronics, and wholesale-retail businesses. Credit limits reach 100 million baht for SMEs and 150 million baht for large businesses, over up to five years.

3. **Business Capability Development**: Support for digital technology adoption, environmental sustainability, and future innovation, with limits of 100 million baht for SMEs and 150 million baht for large enterprises over up to five years.

4. **Tourism and Middle East Crisis Support**: Assistance for tourism and related businesses affected by Middle East conflicts, including hotels, accommodation services, and restaurants. Credit limits are set at 100 million baht for SMEs and 150 million baht for large businesses over up to five years.

Additionally, the general public can apply for multipurpose loans to install solar power systems or purchase electric vehicles for energy sustainability.

Interested applicants can contact Islamic Bank of Thailand branches, call the ibank Contact Center at 1302, or message via Facebook Messenger or Line (@ibank).

The Medical Technicians Council has clarified a widespread misconception about blood test preparation. Contrary to popular belief, you can drink plain water before a blood test without fasting from it. The water must be pure, colorless, unsweetened, calorie-free, and have no additives—it will not interfere with test results, even when fasting from food is required.

The confusion typically arises from imprecise communication that lumps together "fasting from water and food." In reality, "fasting from food" means avoiding anything that provides energy, such as milk, coffee, sugary drinks, and flavored beverages. Plain water does not fall into this category.

Skipping water before blood work may actually be counterproductive. Dehydration can cause certain blood values to be higher than they actually are—including hemoglobin, creatinine, and BUN—making veins harder to access for the needle, and increasing discomfort during the procedure.

However, some blood tests may have specific requirements, such as fasting for 8-12 hours or other restrictions. Always consult your doctor or medical staff before your test to ensure proper preparation. Correct preparation not only ensures accurate results but also makes the experience more comfortable and hassle-free.

True Money, operating under Ascend Money, has launched an eligibility check campaign for Ascend Pay Next, a buy now, pay later service, on the True Money app as of April 27, 2025. True Money, a leading electronic payment and financial services provider in Southeast Asia under Ascend Money, is partnering with various players to expand digital financial services access. The campaign aims to make digital credit easily accessible to a wide range of users, who can check their eligibility for Ascend Pay Next immediately through the True Money app or by scanning QR codes distributed nationwide, including outdoor advertising at BTS stations and online channels.

True and dtac customers enjoy even easier eligibility verification by simply dialing *399*555# to check their credit status instantly. Customers can also use Ascend Pay Next to pay True bills through True Money with up to 60 baht cashback credit, or receive 20 baht monthly cashback for three consecutive months when paying automatic service charges through Ascend Pay Next.

From May 15 through December 31, 2025, customers can also use Ascend Pay Next for 0% installment plans up to three months at all True Shop branches on any item in the store, making technology purchases more accessible. Ascend Pay Next is a buy now, pay later service for everyday purchases and services requiring no upfront cash payment. Through the True Money app, approval is simple with no document submission required, with results in five minutes and credit limits up to 20,000 baht. Once approved, funds can be used immediately with no interest if paid within the specified timeframe, or customers can choose an installment plan.

Thannyapong Thammawaranukup, Co-Managing Director of Ascend Money, stated: "This campaign is another important step in making credit easily accessible through familiar everyday channels, whether through mobile apps or USSD. Ascend Pay Next is a crucial service that enhances spending flexibility for True Money users and can be used both online and offline at major retailers and stores nationwide."

Ascend Pay Next is provided by Ascend Nano, a credit service provider operating under supervision and integrated through the True Money platform, enabling users to access comprehensive financial services within a single app. Both companies operate under the Ascend Money group, which develops interconnected digital financial services to expand financial access for a broader consumer base.

Ascend Money is among those licensed to establish a virtual bank, reflecting readiness to leverage digital platform potential and fintech expertise to develop new forms of financial services with broader coverage.

Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas revealed that Prime Minister Anuthon Chaiyawiroon has assigned him to lead the announcement of intellectual property infringement enforcement results for the first six months (October 2024 - March 2025) of fiscal year 2025. The briefing was held on April 27, 2025, at the Thai Customs Department with participation from Commerce Minister Suphachai Sutthrampon, who chairs the National Intellectual Property Policy Committee, along with representatives from the Finance Ministry, Justice Ministry, National Police Office, private sector partners, and foreign embassies including the United States, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Ekniti stated that the government under Anuthon's leadership is treating intellectual property protection with systematic importance, with the Prime Minister directing all relevant agencies to intensify enforcement measures to build confidence in trade and investment.

Under this directive, all sectors have coordinated enforcement efforts across both physical markets and online channels. During the first six months of fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 - March 2025), authorities arrested and prosecuted 332 intellectual property infringement cases, seizing approximately 1.3 million items worth 2.3 billion baht in economic damages. The government targeted commercial zones, warehouses, and border checkpoints, resulting in a 78% increase in economic damage recovery compared to the entire fiscal year 2024, which totaled 1.3 billion baht. This damage not only impacts Thailand's economy but also undermines the country's long-term trade and investment reputation.

Commerce Minister Suphachai Sutthrampon noted that the Commerce Ministry, as the coordinating agency under the National Intellectual Property Policy Committee, is working intensively with the Finance Ministry, Justice Ministry, and National Police Office to protect intellectual property rights for both Thai and foreign investors. She emphasized that intellectual property is critical for economic development, while counterfeiting poses serious economic security threats, endangers public health and safety through fake products, harms legitimate businesses unable to compete on price, and weakens the nation's trade competitiveness. This integrated enforcement effort reflects all agencies' commitment to combat intellectual property infringement and aligns with the government's Trade Plus policy.